News & Perspectives on Beer and its Culture

Bell’s Brewery Begins 2017 Release of Hopslam Ale

Bell’s Brewery (Comstock, Michigan) has announced that Hopslam Double India Pale Ale has officially begun its yearly, staggered release into distribution as of January 2.

January is upon us and that can only mean one thing: Hopslam Season! For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this incredibly popular brew, Hopslam Ale is a sizable Double India Pale Ale that receives an initial dose of six different hop varietals in the brew kettle and then dry-hopped with a “massive” addition of Simcoe hops. This bombardment of hops makes for “the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell’s repertoire.” For added complexity and balance, all of this hoppy goodness rests atop a foundation built with “a generous malt bill and a solid dollop of honey.” At 10% ABV, Hopslam Ale is a surprisingly easy-drinking DIPA boasting “a pungent blend of grapefruit, stone fruit and floral notes.”

Due to this beer’s popularity, Bell’s Brewery approaches each year’s arrival of Hopslam Ale with a staggered release across their distribution area. The release schedule and areas are as follow:

Once this offering arrives in your area, you will be able to find limited amounts of Hopslam Ale in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer establishments. A word of warning here: this beer never lasts for long once it hits shelves and taps. Make a note of your area’s release week, stay vigilant, and grab your sixer or pour whenever you see it because odds are that it will not be waiting for you on your next visit. Prost!